State Parks & Forests

Kettle Moraine North

In the Area

Kettle Moraine State Forest —Northern Unit
Hunting, Fishing, and Boating

Hunting

About 95 percent of the state forest is open to public hunting during established open seasons. Some seasons may be subject to change. Consult the Wisconsin Hunting and Trapping Regulations before going hunting.

Consider Others

Because the forest is used by many other recreationists, the hunter should be especially aware of gun safety and his/her conduct while hunting. Hunting near any trail being used by hikers, equestrians, bikers and/or skiers is discouraged.

The most heavily used trails are Crooked Lake, Forest Lake, Greenbush, Butler Lake, Parnell Tower, Zillmer, and New Fane loop trails, as well as the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and the bridle/snowmobile trails which traverse the linear length of the forest. The Zillmer trail is closed to hunting with firearms, except during the gun deer season and spring turkey hunting season.

Hunting Areas

Areas restricted from hunting include the 850-acre wildlife refuge around Mauthe Lake and areas of high public use such as recreation areas, campgrounds and the Ice Age Visitor Center. There are many areas of private land scattered throughout the forest. Take care to stay on state-owned property and not trespass on adjacent private lands.

A hunting map is available on the Web [PDF, 828KB]. Target shooting is prohibited in all areas of the forest.

The Northern Unit has two dog training areas available for training hunting dogs. Scheduled dog trials will take precendence over dog training. These areas will be posted when trials are scheduled or call Forest Headquarters for more information.

Note: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973, must have completed a hunter education course and show the certificate to buy any hunting license in Wisconsin. See a listing of upcoming Hunter Safety Education Classes.

Fishing

Lake Depth Maps

The seven lakes listed above are within or bordering the Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit. These lakes range in size from 427 acres (Long Lake) to less than seven acres, accounting for a total of 786 acres.

Fish Species

The primary fish species [PDF, 104KB] in these lakes include large-mouth bass, bluegill, crappies, and northern pike. Mauthe Lake and Long Lake Recreation Areas have fishing piers that are accessible to people who are mobily impaired.

Fishing pier

Long Lake's accessible fishing pier
DNR Photo

Long Lake Fishing Club [exit DNR]

Boating

Public access is provided on these lakes by either a developed boat landing or walk-in access. A private concessionaire provides various types of watercraft for fishing at a number of these lakes. Lake Seven, Mauthe, Forest and Butler Lakes prohibit the use of gas-powered motors. Other boating restrictions may apply. Check at landings for posted information regarding wake/no wake rules and whether or not a state park vehicle admission sticker is required.

All watercraft must be equipped with a wearable Coast Guard approved personal flotation device for each person on board. Consult the Wisconsin fishing and boating [PDF, 359KB] regulations before going fishing.

For More Information

Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit
Forest Headquarters
N1765 Highway G
Campbellsport WI 53010
(262) 626-2116 or

Ice Age Visitor Center
(920) 533-8322

Jerry Leiterman, Forest Superintendent
Jackie Scharfenberg, Naturalist
Joan Neis, Visitors Services

Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Entrance Station
Open 9 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Memorial Day - Labor Day; hours vary during off-season.
(262) 626-4305

Long Lake Recreation Area Entrance Station
Open 9 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Memorial Day - Labor Day; hours vary during off-season.
(920) 533-8612

Last Revised: Monday March 17 2008